February 18, 2011

When buying supplies for your pets, there are many places to go and the most obvious one are your local pet stores and big chains. However, if you’re on a budget or just trying to cut down on the number of places you need to drive to when running errands take a moment the next time you’re in your pharmacy, grocery store, or online to see what pet supplies are available. The choices might limited but the quality can be the same and sometimes the price is cheaper.

Here are 8 places you may also want to shop for your pet:

1: Internet shopping sites – Amazon, Craigslist, Ebay, Freecycle, and other sites offer great bargains on pet supplies. Do not ever buy medications from individuals or un-reputable companies but dog crates, cat carriers, cat trees, dog beds, accessories, and costumes can often be found for your pet at discount prices.

2: Pharmacy – aside from being able to buy shampoo, cough syrups, and pick up your prescriptions, many drugs stores also sell dog and cat food, toys, brushes, leashes, and beds. The prices are often lower than pet retail stores because of membership club cards and specials.

3: Membership clubs – places like Costco and Sam’s Club have deep discounts on many things from bulk food to clothing and books. They also often have pet supplies like beds, carriers, and toys.

4: Thrift stores – want to get your cat a scratching post but don’t want to pay a lot? Hunt around the thrift store next time you’re looking for those vintage jeans or steampunk outfit and see what pet supplies people have donated. You can find some slightly used but in great condition beds, car seats, and cat trees.

5: Hardware store – some hardware stores have a houseware department where they sell some general cleaning supplies and other things for your house. Some will have a pet section with cleaning, grooming, and food.

6: Dollar store – your local 99 cent store sells pet supplies and toys. Save a few bucks and get that new leash and collar set, bowl, or squeaky toy that your dog deserves.

7: Consignment stores – a number of consignment stores have a pet section where you can find gently used toys, bedding, crates, and more. The prices can range from being a great deal to being so so but you can find great quality items for your pet.

8: Local animal shelters – humane societies and animal shelters often have a pet supply section for new parents to purchase supplies. Their prices are comparable to pet stores but sometimes they offer sales and discounts plus the money benefits the shelter.

When buying used pet supplies, disinfect them. Calici can live on cat scratchers and litter boxes and beds for six months. Ringworm spores can be on anything, and litter boxes can carry toxoplasmosis and corona virus. Disinfect hard surfaces with a 1:10 bleach solution after washing thoroughly to remove all dirt (bleach is inactivated by organic material). Coat all surfaces with the bleach mixture and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing. You can also put it into the sun for a while afterward to dry and disinfect further. For litter boxes, do the additional step of pouring boiling water into the litter box and letting it sit 2 minutes. There is no way to adequately disinfect carpet and wood, but you can thoroughly vacuum and then hose off cat towers and scratchers, then spray all over several times with the bleach solution and then let it sit in the sun. Fabric can be washed, then dried at high heat for 30 minutes. Dishes should go through the dishwashing cycle (the heat should be hot enough). PetsMart Charities has a free webinar you can view about disinfection for more information.

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